Title: The Benefits of Relationship (1 of 9)
Series: Finding Your Way
Author: Tony Thomas
Text: 1 Peter 1:1-12
One of my all-time favorite TV shows was "The Walton's." Having grown up in a large family, I identified with the characters and the story themes. I also liked how the show ended every week with everyone in the house saying, "Goodnight, John Boy."
My favorite episode is the one where John Boy left for college. His father struggled with his emotions, and Mr. Walton had all kinds of things he wanted to say to his son. But, he never could find the appropriate setting.
The day came, however, when Mr. Walton took John Boy to the train station. He looked into his grown sons' eyes, his voice cracked a bit, and he said, "Son, remember who you are."
Those words are a good reminder to us, as well. We need to remember who we are! The Prodigal Son forgot who he was. He wasted his father's assets in sinful behavior, soiled his father's name in riotous living, and mocked his father's faith by feeding the pigs.
But his poverty caused him to remember who he was. Luke says that he, "Came to his senses" (Luke 15:17), and he asked, "What am I doing in a place like this?" He went back home when he remembered who he was.
Nothing motivates us more than remembering our heritage. The recipients of 1 Peter needed to remember that, too. Peter was writing to recent converts. These new believers were enthusiastic, but untested, and it wasn't long before trouble came in the form of persecution.
Nero, the godless Roman dictator, took out his personal problems on these first century Christians. Peter understood that things would get worse, and not better.
This letter was written to give us hope in a season of despair. So here's the lesson I want you to recognize: your perspective determines your attitude - not your circumstances. Would you promise me that you'll remember that? Usually we are derailed because we're coasting instead of anti ...
Series: Finding Your Way
Author: Tony Thomas
Text: 1 Peter 1:1-12
One of my all-time favorite TV shows was "The Walton's." Having grown up in a large family, I identified with the characters and the story themes. I also liked how the show ended every week with everyone in the house saying, "Goodnight, John Boy."
My favorite episode is the one where John Boy left for college. His father struggled with his emotions, and Mr. Walton had all kinds of things he wanted to say to his son. But, he never could find the appropriate setting.
The day came, however, when Mr. Walton took John Boy to the train station. He looked into his grown sons' eyes, his voice cracked a bit, and he said, "Son, remember who you are."
Those words are a good reminder to us, as well. We need to remember who we are! The Prodigal Son forgot who he was. He wasted his father's assets in sinful behavior, soiled his father's name in riotous living, and mocked his father's faith by feeding the pigs.
But his poverty caused him to remember who he was. Luke says that he, "Came to his senses" (Luke 15:17), and he asked, "What am I doing in a place like this?" He went back home when he remembered who he was.
Nothing motivates us more than remembering our heritage. The recipients of 1 Peter needed to remember that, too. Peter was writing to recent converts. These new believers were enthusiastic, but untested, and it wasn't long before trouble came in the form of persecution.
Nero, the godless Roman dictator, took out his personal problems on these first century Christians. Peter understood that things would get worse, and not better.
This letter was written to give us hope in a season of despair. So here's the lesson I want you to recognize: your perspective determines your attitude - not your circumstances. Would you promise me that you'll remember that? Usually we are derailed because we're coasting instead of anti ...
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